West Ham strike deal to sign Luizao from Sao Paulo

London, Dec 18, 2022 (AFP) - West Ham signed promising Brazilian defender Luizao from Sao Paulo for an undisclosed fee on Sunday.

Luizao only made his debut for Sao Paulo in May, but earned a move to the Premier League after some impressive displays for the Brazilian club.

The 20-year-old centre-back will officially join West Ham on January 1 subject to international clearance.

He has agreed a contract that keeps him with the Hammers until 2026.

Luizao, who helped Sao Paulo reach the final of the Copa Sudamericana and Copa Do Brasil semi-finals, will start his West Ham career in Mark Robson's under-21 squad.

"Everyone at West Ham United would like to welcome Luizao to the club and wish him every success in his career in claret and blue," a West Ham statement said.